Publication

This paper assesses the crucial concern among European government officials and politicians about the missile shield plan in the US. This concern is based on the assumption that it could break down ties across the Atlantic, by providing the United States with a form of strategic protection not available to the allies. Even a partial missile shield could make the current US threat perception a self-fulfilling prophecy, with an increasing number of countries seeking to develop longer- range or strategic missiles, which they would target against unprotected US allies and overseas interests. Europe thus could face a more robust missile threat sooner than now projected due to US moves.